How To Get The Max Out Of Your Facial

Everybody wants the deep clean, wrinkle-minimizing effects of a facial, but nobody wants the uncomfortable poking, squeezing, zapping and needling (yes, real needles), that can often come hand in hand with these treatments. Sure, we’ve all heard the saying: no pain no gain, but really?! Not so much, thanks.

New and non-invasive facial services, like Q Esthetics Laser Clinic’s Q Max Facial however, are addressing this need to breathe deeply and peacefully when heading to the day spa. And with their latest technology-based techniques, they’ll have you saying buh-bye to discomfort and hello to a lighter touch.

What is the Q Max Facial?
In a nutshell, this is a one-hour facial that combines a vacuum suction-like exfoliation with the photo bio-stimulation from the light of a laser to stimulate cellular activity and rejuvenate the skin. “It’s a breakthrough in non-invasive skincare technology, because we’re combining two different types of technology in the treatment,” says Christianne Lucille of Q Esthetics Laser Clinic in Toronto.

How does it work?
Like most spas, you get to lie down on the treatment table. Catnapping is optional. The process begins by first cleansing the skin with products, followed by adding a serum and then applying the vacuum-like technology to your epidermis. This works to remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris while stimulating blood flow to the surface of the skin. The laser light therapy is next, complete with a wrap-around facial panel that is placed over top of your face, but not touching it. “We use a cold laser,” explains Lucille. “So there is not the typical heating sensation that most expect from a laser treatment and the applicator doesn’t actually come into contact with the skin, so there is virtually no downtime. It’s a painless and non-invasive procedure.”

Who can have the service and how often should you go?
All skin types and skin tones can experience the service as it can be tailored to your exact needs, such as acne, scarring from acne, pigmentation and even, ingrown hairs. “If you’re treating your skin for something specific, we recommend coming in once every two weeks for six sessions,” says Lucille. “But if it’s just for skin maintenance you can come every six weeks.”

What are the benefits?
There are skin-specific benefits, such as healing acne, diminishing acne scarring and eliminating pigmention and ingrown hairs, but overall the facial will leave you with more radiant, clearer and younger-looking skin. Plus, “for men who struggle with back acne, the Q Max Facial treatment can also be performed on the body, as well,” says Lucille.

And as always…
Use a sunscreen afterwards. “Sun protection is an everyday essential,” says Lucille. “Especially after any type of skincare treatment.”

Adriana is an award-winning writer and editor. The former beauty director for FASHION magazine and editor-in-chief of Salon and of Childview magazines has hosted beauty videos for fashionmagazine.com, as well as contributed to Men’s FASHION, Chatelaine and chatelaine.com, Flare and flare.com, Huffington Post Canada, National Post, AmongMen.com, thekit.ca, iVillage.ca and thewhaleandtherose.com. She lives in Toronto with her very spoiled feline, Trixie-Belle, and a fantastically large perfume collection.